Now he’s literally been sent home — Ronaldo has left Portugal’s camp

Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly been sent packing from Portugal’s training camp after a nightmare evening in Dublin, where he picked up the first red card of his international career.

The veteran superstar saw red just past the hour mark in Portugal’s shock 2–0 loss to Ireland on Thursday, dismissed for throwing a frustrated elbow at Dara O’Shea. With straight red cards in international competitions usually leading to a two-match suspension, Ronaldo is now in danger of missing the opening match of what is almost certainly his final World Cup.

Who's crybaby now: CR7 jeopardizes his WC swansong with bizarre red card

Portugal, however, still haven’t booked their ticket for the tournament. Roberto Martínez’s squad must beat Armenia on Sunday to secure qualification. A draw could leave them sweating—if Hungary defeat Ireland by more than three goals, Portugal would be pushed into the playoff route.

According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Ronaldo won’t remain with the team for that decisive clash at the Estadio do Dragao, having been “released from the national team.”

The captain is now expected to return to Saudi Arabia and rejoin Al-Nassr ahead of their November 23 meeting with Al-Khaleej. His demeanour in Dublin summed up the evening: clearly irritated by Portugal’s flat first half, Ronaldo even appeared to mock Nathan Collins moments before being sent off.

But it was his altercation with Collins’ centre-back partner that sealed his fate. After failing to reach a misplaced cross, Ronaldo swung his arm at Ipswich Town defender O’Shea, who hit the turf holding his back. Initially given a yellow, the incident was upgraded to a straight red after a VAR review—an unprecedented moment in Ronaldo’s 226 appearances for Portugal.

Stunned by the decision, Ronaldo responded with a sarcastic applause to the buzzing Aviva Stadium crowd before heading off down the tunnel, bringing a miserable night to an abrupt end.